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Renault DeZir Electric Car Concept 2010
In early July 2010, Renault has unveiled the DeZir concept car intended for the Mondial 2010 Motor Show in Paris. The Renault DeZir is a two seats coupé with electric propulsion. The Renault DeZir is the first project to be led by Laurens van den Acker and exemplifies the brand's new philosophy with regard to design. "DeZir is a statement of our new formal design language which conveys notions such as movement, sensuality and emotion through ideal proportions, in much the same way as an object whose forms have been honed by nature. The result is a warm, stimulating design that says 'Renault'," explains Axel Breun, Renault's Director of Concept Car and Show Car design.
"My early source of inspiration stemmed from the liquid sensation, wave-like movement and contrasts in light associated with certain rippled surfaces," observes Yann Jarsalle, who was in charge of the DeZir's exterior styling. "By directly laying out volumes and not just joining together a number of surfaces by lines, I felt more in tune with the world of sculpture than with that of architecture." The front end design previews the new front end identity that is poised to become a feature of all Renault models in the future. DeZir's front end features a full width air intake which strikes out either side of a large, vertically positioned Renault logo that proudly displays the car's brand pedigree. Meanwhile, the chrome finish of the lozenge contrasts with the dark aspect of the grille to express the statement still further. The air scoops situated at the outer extremities of the front air intake are a legacy of Renault's formal styling language and form an integral part of the air intake's design, as do the headlights which sit above these scoops. The prevailing bright red colour of the body interacts with the graphical forms of the cross-drilled aluminium side panels which equally exude a sense of light weight and technology. The absence of a rear window is overcome by the installation of two rear-facing cameras which provide the driver with a panoramic view of what is happening behind the car. Rear lighting is provided by an illuminated, seemingly floating strip that extends across the full width of the car. The Renault logo is highlighted by backlighting through the fins of the grille and consequently appears to hover in the middle of this space. The gull-wing doors are another feature that embody automotive passion and reveal a refined interior, while the fact that the left- and right-hand doors open in opposite directions symbolizes a yin and yang style amorous harmony. The interior design also suggests lightness. The one-piece, two seats benchseat provides cocoon-like comfort. The embroidered pattern on the leather is based on a graphical representation of the Renault logo. The driver's door features a bright red lacquered finish while the passenger-side door is trimmed in white leather. The dashboard features contrasting finishes with one part trimmed in white leather and another which exudes a more high-tech feel.
The Renault DeZir concept is powered by an electric motor mounted in a mid-rear position to optimize weight distribution over the front and rear wheels. The vertically-mounted 24 kWh lithium-ion battery is located behind the benchseat and provides the car with an operating range of 160 km. Battery cooling is ensured not only by the air channeled from the front to the back of the car, but also by the flow of air that enters through the lateral scoops concealed behind the aluminium panels on either side of the body. The electric motor is the same as the unit that will be used in Renault's production electric cars, although an evolution has enabled its power and torque to be upgraded to 110 kW (150 hp) and 226 Nm respectively. In order to optimize range and dynamic performance, Renault Design's technical team has kept the DeZir's weight to a minimum: its body is made of Kevlar by Dupont, while its tubular steel frame and suspensions are similar to those employed for the Megane Trophy race car. The Renault DeZir's energy efficiency package also includes the recovery of deceleration energy. The technology it employs is based on the same principles as the KERS ( Kinetic Energy Recovery System) seen in Formula One. When the car decelerates, kinetic energy is recovered and stored in the battery. In the case of the Renault DeZir, this energy can then be employed by the driver to provide a temporary power boost at the moment he or she chooses, using a button located on the steering wheel. Within the framework of the creation of an audio signature for the brand's upcoming electric vehicles, Renault has been working closely with the IRCAM ( Institut de Recherche et Coordination Acoustique/Musique, founded by Pierre Boulez in 1969) to define the sound that best reflects DeZir's personality. Claimed performances: top speed 180 kph; acceleration from standstill to 100 kph (62 mph) in 5 seconds- Aerodynamic drag coefficient 0.25 - Dimensions: Length 4.225 mm, width 1.968 mm, Height 1.163 mm - kerb weight 830 kg Text Paul Damiens - Photos & Illustrations by Renault Wallpapers of Renault DeZir Electric Car Concept 2010 (click on picture to enlarge)
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